Build Agent tools

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated April 30, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
    • Summarize
    Summarized using AI
    This content was generated using new OpenAI-powered functionality. Results are provided on an as is basis and are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete.

    Summary of Build Agent tools

    Build Agent tools enhance application development on the ServiceNow platform by supporting tasks such as semantic search, schema inspection, code search, planning, UI validation, database querying, and app navigation. Each tool extends Build Agent’s capabilities to streamline and improve development workflows during build sessions.

    Show full answer Show less

    Key Features

    • Semantic Search Tool: Enables natural language searches to find relevant files or applications based on meaning rather than exact keywords. It supports implicit search, where Build Agent suggests files based on your development intent to avoid duplication, and explicit search, where you directly request specific searches. Requires Australia Patch 2 or higher.
    • Table Schema Inspector Tool: Provides detailed information about a table’s fields, including names, data types, mandatory status, and reference targets. Useful for understanding table structures before modifications or logic implementation.
    • Code Search Tool: Searches workspace files using exact text or regex patterns. Helps identify references to fields, scripts, or functions to assess the impact of changes.
    • Planning Tool: Generates detailed, iterative development plans based on your input and feedback, enabling structured application design and refinement.
    • UI Validation Tool: Detects and validates UI components built during the development process using Playwright MCP skills executed on Automated Test Framework (ATF) Cloud Runner infrastructure. Requires Australia Patch 3 or higher for use in ServiceNow Studio, and installation of the ATF test generator and Cloud Runner app.
    • Run Query Tool: Queries specific tables in your instance to retrieve top records or insights, facilitating data exploration during development.
    • Open App Tool: Converts applications not originally developed with ServiceNow IDE, Studio, or SDK into Fluent format for compatibility with Build Agent. Helps locate, convert, and add these applications to your workspace automatically.

    Practical Benefits for ServiceNow Customers

    • Accelerates application development by providing intelligent search and inspection tools that reduce redundant work and improve code quality.
    • Enhances planning and UI validation to ensure applications meet requirements and function correctly before deployment.
    • Supports seamless integration of legacy or externally developed apps into the Build Agent environment for consistent development experience.
    • Requires specific platform patches and app installations to leverage full tool capabilities, so ensure your instance is updated accordingly.

    Build Agent tools support application development tasks such as semantic search, schema inspection, code search, planning, UI validation, database querying, and app navigation. Each tool extends what Build Agent can do during a build session.

    Semantic search tool

    The semantic search tool is part of Build Agent's tool registry. Semantic search enables you to describe what you're looking for without providing the exact file name or keyword. For example, you can search for files related to incident process management, and the tool finds relevant results based on semantic understanding, not just keyword matching.

    Build Agent uses semantic search in two ways:

    Implicit search
    Build Agent determines when to use the semantic search tool based on your development task. When you describe what you want to accomplish, Build Agent searches for existing files and applications that match your intent, then presents the results in a plan for your approval. This helps prevent duplicate content creation.
    Explicit search
    You can directly request a search by asking Build Agent to find something on your instance. Use explicit search when you want to locate specific files, applications, or knowledge without making changes.
    Note:
    You must have Australia Patch 2 and above to use the semantic search tool.

    Planning tool

    Build Agent includes a planning tool that creates a detailed, step-by-step plan for your application development. You can refine the plan iteratively by prompting for changes and providing feedback until you reach a final version.

    UI validation tool

    Build Agent detects Build Agent detects UI components created during the build process, then analyzes and validates the UI using the UI validation tool. The tool automatically uses skills available in the Playwright MCP and executes them on the Automated Test Framework (ATF) Cloud Runner infrastructure.

    You can specifically prompt UI validation by asking Build Agent to validate the UI built using the ATF cloud runner tooling.
    Note:
    The ATF test generator and Cloud Runner app must be installed on the instance to use the UI validation tool.

    Run query tool

    Build Agent can use the run query tool to query a specific table within your instance and return the top five records or derive specific insights.

    Open app tool

    For applications that were not developed using the ServiceNow IDE, ServiceNow Studio, or the ServiceNow SDK, you must convert them into Fluent format to enable development within the Build Agent. You can prompt the Build Agent to use the open app tool to locate the application you want. Alternatively, you can search for an application directly within the Build Agent, and it will automatically use the open app tool. The open app tool can find an application, convert it to Fluent format, and then add the converted app to your workspace.